SCO's appeal comes from commitment to "Shanghai Spirit": secretary-general

The 'Shanghai Spirit' of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, advocated by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), is the key to the expanding influence and appeal of the SCO, the organization's secretary-general Zhang Ming said in an exclusive interview with the China Media Group(CMG).

First founded in Shanghai back in 2001, the SCO has grown into a trans-regional organization comprised of 10 full members, two observer states, and 14 dialog partners. Back in July, Belarus was formally accepted as the 10th member state of the organization at the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO held in Astana.

Noting the entire SCO "family" now totals 26 members, Zhang said there are further applications awaiting approval.

He pointed to the organization's commitment to its core principles as outlined in the "Shanghai Spirit", which has been guiding the organization since its inception, as being the "secret" to its success.

"The development and expansion of the SCO shows the improvement of its influence, appeal and attraction. What is the secret behind it? I have also thought about this question. I think, it is the basic principles and rules advocated and upheld by the SCO, and the 'Shanghai Spirit' we have been always upholding, that give the organization such attraction. Under the guidance of the SCO spirit, we have always advocated fairness, respect, and equality. Our member states can be very comfortable, and share good relations with each other in this family. All cooperation we promote within the framework of the SCO is based on our consensus, and all cooperation is mutually beneficial. This kind of cooperation has brought great impetus to the development of every member state. Such benefits can also generate appeal, drawing more countries to join such a family," he said. China took over the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-2025 back in July, and will next year host the 25th meeting of SCO Heads of State Council.

SCO's appeal comes from commitment to "Shanghai Spirit": secretary-general

China and Russia have agreed to resolutely safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II, safeguard world peace and security, and uphold historical truth and international justice, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.

In response to a related media query, Lin briefed the press on the outcomes of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Russia and the 20th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation earlier this week.

"This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. The two heads of state attended commemorations in each other's country, and agreed to firmly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II and resolutely oppose any retrogressive acts attempting to whitewash colonial aggression, sending a powerful message for upholding justice and fairness in the current era," Lin noted.

"During the recent China-Russia strategic security consultation, the two sides conducted strategic alignment on issues related to Japan, reaching a high degree of consensus. Both sides agreed to resolutely safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II won at the cost of lives and blood, firmly oppose any erroneous words and deeds that attempt to whitewash the history of colonial aggression, and resolutely counter any attempts to revive fascism or Japanese militarism. Both sides stressed that China and Russia, as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, will shoulder their shared responsibility to safeguard world peace and security, and uphold historical truth and international justice," said the spokesman.

"We stand ready to continue coordinating and cooperating with Russia to resolutely curb the provocative acts of Japan's far-right forces that undermine regional peace and stability and attempt to remilitarize," Lin said.

China, Russia agree to resolutely safeguard outcomes of World War II victory: spokesman